Shep Meyers recorded with Ella Fitzgerald, worked with Johnny Carson and was an arranger for the Radio City Music Hall Symphony Orchestra. But locally, he was known as a gifted pianist and mainstay of the San Diego jazz community.

Mr. Meyers composed, arranged and conducted the music for hundreds of radio and television commercials during his years in New York and Los Angeles, but for the past 30 years he played piano throughout San Diego, including at Croce's Restaurant and Jazz Bar downtown. He also recorded CDs and led bands for corporate events and private parties.

“Shep was the most stellar human being,” Ingrid Croce said. “He was an amazing musician, but he was so shy . . . his music spoke for itself.”

Mr. Meyers died July 18 at Kaiser Foundation Hospital-San Diego after suffering a stroke. He was 72.

Friends and colleagues said Mr. Meyers was a kind, gentle person who never needed to be the center of attention. His work in commercials garnered Clio and Andy awards, which honor creative advertising in radio, television and print.

“He was self-effacing; he didn't carry himself like he knew more than you did,” Croce said.

Former San Diego musician Scarlet Keys said Mr. Meyers was a friend and mentor to many. “He was a real support for up-and-coming musicians,” she said. “He had that New York-East Coast edge; he brought that standard. He was one of the musicians who set the bar for jazz in San Diego.”

“Shep was a real fixture in San Diego, in the nightclub scene and recording . . . he was a wonderful writer, arranger and composer, although many knew him (primarily) as a pianist,” said longtime friend Mike Wofford. “He had a natural charm and really was adored in the musical community. He was very inspirational for younger players coming up.”

Mr. Meyers' first CD, “Cornerstone,” featured his quartet with the late saxophonist Jay Migliori. His newest CD, “Solo Thoughts,” is a solo jazz piano recording.

Dave Curtis, who was part of the “Cornerstone” quartet, considered Mr. Meyers family. “I learned so much from him. His style of of piano-playing is part of a generation we won't see again. It's rooted in an older, traditional form of jazz . . . a traditional bebop or hard bop.”

Chuck Perrin, founder of Dizzy's, often booked Mr. Meyers at his downtown jazz club. “I loved his music and his whole vibe. A lot of people were touched by his music,” he said.

Shepard Meyers was born Oct. 5, 1936, in Passaic, N.J., to Isadore and Ruth Meyers. He attended the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania because his father wanted him to go into business, but he left Penn to follow his dream of a career in music, said his brother, Art.

Mr. Meyers moved to New York and attended the Manhattan School of Music. He was soon alternating between New York and Los Angeles to hone his skills as a performer, arranger, conductor and composer.

His credits included playing with singers Peggy Lee, Terry Gibbs and Anita O'Day, as well as accompanying comedians Lenny Bruce, Steve Allen and Redd Foxx.

He married Angeline D'Eliso in 1970, and the couple had a son, Benjy. They moved to San Diego in 1977. “He wanted a better environment to raise his son,” Art Meyers said.

Shep Meyers and his first wife divorced in 1989, but he wanted to be close to his son, so he stayed in San Diego. He married the former Janis Jones in 1997.

Mr. Meyers was happy to be in San Diego, his wife said. “He said, ‘Can you believe it? I'm actually making a living playing jazz in San Diego. How lucky am I?’ ”

Mr. Meyers is survived by his wife; a son, Benjy of Seattle; a stepdaughter, Kristin Donaldson Di Tillio of San Diego; a brother, Art of San Diego; and a grandson.

A celebration of his life will be held Aug. 23 at Croce's Restaurant.

Donations in Mr. Meyers' name may be made to KSDS Jazz 88.3, 1313 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101.